A sagging gate can be frustrating. It may stop lining up with the latch, drag slightly when closing, or just look a little off. When this happens, many homeowners assume something is wrong with the gate itself — but in reality, gate sag is a common occurrence with outdoor gates and is usually related to installation conditions, post movement, or natural long-term settling.
The good news is that Natures Composites gates are built with structural reinforcement and adjustable hardware to help minimize sagging and make corrections easier if alignment changes over time.
Our Full Size, Perimeter, and Ranch Rail gates are designed as durable, heavy-duty systems — not just decorative panels. A full-size gate weighs around 90 pounds and includes internal reinforcement to handle regular use and changing weather. While no gate system can completely prevent movement over time, proper installation plays a major role in long-term performance.
One of the most important factors in supporting your gate is the post system. NC gates should be hung on our 5x5 Commercial Posts, and those posts should contain a pressure-treated 4x4 wood insert. The composite post provides durability and a clean finish, while the internal wood insert gives the hinge screws solid material to anchor into. When the hinges are installed correctly, the screws pass through the hinge, through the composite post, and into that internal wood core. This layered support significantly improves stability and reduces the likelihood of movement. Without the wood insert, screws may loosen over time, which can contribute to gate sag.
Hinge installation on the gate side is just as important. Screws should be pre-drilled and secured so they penetrate through the composite material and into the internal metal frame of the gate. This helps ensure the hardware is supported by the gate’s internal structure rather than only the outer shell.
Even with proper installation, gates are exposed to real-world conditions. Soil can shift, temperature changes cause expansion and contraction, and repeated use places stress on hardware. Over time, small alignment changes are normal for many gate systems. That’s why Natures Composites pairs its gates with premium, adjustable hinges from D&D Technologies.
These hinges are designed to allow for post-installation adjustments. If you notice the latch not lining up perfectly or the gate sitting slightly lower on one side, it does not necessarily mean the gate has failed. In many cases, a hinge adjustment can help restore proper alignment and operation. This adjustability is part of what makes NC gates a practical, serviceable solution for long-term outdoor use.
How to Adjust Your Gate Using the D&D Self-Adjusting Hinges
All NC gates come paired with premium adjustable hinges from D&D Technologies. These hinges are built to support heavier gates and allow for alignment and tension adjustments over time as your gate and posts settle.
If your gate looks slightly lower on the latch side, doesn’t line up perfectly, or doesn’t close with the same tension as before, you can usually correct it directly at the hinges.
Step 1: Locate the Adjustment Points
Each hinge has built-in adjustment points on the hinge body. These are typically located on the side or top of the hinge and are designed to be turned using a screwdriver or Allen key, depending on the hinge model. These adjustment points allow you to fine-tune the gate’s position and closing action.
Step 2: Adjust the Gate Alignment (Correcting Minor Sag – Up & Down)
If the gate has dropped slightly on the latch side:
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Start with the top hinge
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Make a small adjustment in the direction that slightly lifts or repositions the gate
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Check the latch alignment
Small turns make a noticeable difference. After adjusting the top hinge, you may make a minor adjustment to the bottom hinge to help balance the load. The goal is to bring the latch side back into alignment so the gate closes evenly.
Step 3: Adjust Side-to-Side Alignment (Latch Depth)
If the gate is hitting the latch too early, not reaching it fully, or rubbing against the latch post, you can make a side-to-side (horizontal) adjustment.
This adjustment shifts the gate slightly closer to or farther from the latch post.
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Use the horizontal adjustment point on the hinge
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Make small turns and check how the latch lines up
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Adjust both hinges gradually if needed to keep the gate aligned evenly
This helps fine-tune how the gate meets the latch without needing to move the post or reinstall hardware.
Step 4: Adjust the Closing Tension
If the gate is not closing firmly or is closing too forcefully, you can fine-tune the hinge tension.
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Use the tension adjustment point on the hinge
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Turn gradually to increase or decrease how strongly the hinge pulls the gate closed
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Test the gate after each small adjustment
You’re aiming for a smooth, controlled close — not too loose and not too forceful.
Step 5: Test the Gate After Each Adjustment
After making any adjustment, open and close the gate several times and check:
✔ Does the latch line up cleanly?
✔ Does the gate sit level when closed?
✔ Does it close smoothly on its own?
✔ Does it clear the post and frame without rubbing?
If needed, repeat with very small adjustments until everything lines up properly.
